Secretary Donley visits ROTC students at Southern Cal

  • Published
  • By Alicia Garges
  • Space and Missile Systems Center Public Affairs
LOS ANGELES (AFNS) --  Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley met with cadets from University of Southern California's Air Force ROTC Det. 60 April 25 during a visit to the USC campus here.

Following a tour of the detachment's offices and dayroom, the secretary took time to talk with cadets and answer their questions. His visit provided a unique opportunity for the college students and future Air Force officers to hear directly from the Air Force's top civilian leader.

In addition to highlighting the Air Force's current missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, humanitarian efforts in Japan, no-fly zone enforcement in Libya, and the service's counterterrorism role, the secretary also updated the cadets on Air Force modernization efforts.

He told the cadets that while they will be "flying" new equipment, to include the next generation tanker, F-35 fighter and the next generation of satellites, they also will be faced with a world of changing missions, developing technologies and budget constraints. He specifically pointed out the changes in the past decade in missile defense and communications as areas where significant change has occurred.

As an example, Secretary Donley said the last time the U.S. defended itself from an aerial attack by enemy aircraft was in the 1950's; however, the last time the U.S. defended itself from a cyber attack was a few seconds ago.

The secretary concluded his remarks by telling the cadets they have exciting challenges ahead.

"I haven't met a (senior-level officer) who isn't envious of future officers," he said. "I look forward to handing off leadership of the world's finest air force (to you)."

During a subsequent question and answer period, cadets asked what advice the secretary had for them to become good leaders and how budget and personnel cuts will impact their future. Two dominant themes in many of Secretary Donley's responses to these and other questions were the need to overcome challenges while maintaining mission readiness and moving forward with modernization efforts.

He also encouraged the students to build upon their experiences, draw from the expertise of others in the Air Force "family" and to never stop learning.

Secretary Donley has a USC connection of his own. Following a three-year stint in the Army, he attended the university as a student in the late 1970s, earning both a bachelor and master's degree in international relations.